Volume 14: February
P.S. I love you
For the love of Mid-Century Design
Why do I love it? I think my appreciation is related to my love of cars, or maybe my love of television - that doesn’t mean I’m a couch potato, but I do love a good Netflix binge (The Queen's Gambit, anyone?).
Palm Springs, a desert oasis, is the perfect place to get your mid-century modern (MCM) design inspiration and fix. Especially popular in the 1950s, it was a place for the Hollywood elite to escape for privacy while gathering in their unique homes or lounging on the back patio. Architects were commissioned to build cutting-edge designs for high-end clientele. Modern construction techniques of the time can be found in Palm Springs’ hotels and civic buildings, too, with metal and lots of glass which made for easy indoor/outdoor living.
Historic Dr. Franz Alexander house. Note the slight curve in the ceiling beams and fireplace.
Poolside at Limon, an all steel MCM boutique hotel.
A delightful way to see how this all became so cool is to visit Palm Springs during Modernism Week. I have gone to it a couple of times and was there again last week to not only soak up the sunshine but participate in the jam-packed schedule of house tours, lectures, and parties celebrating MCM architecture. The tours showcase renovations, preservation projects as well as new construction in the mid-century spirit. All have something beautiful to share in keeping the easy design character of the post-World War II era. Modernism Week happens in February, with a “Fall Preview” weekend in October, both of which are great times to visit Southern California.
Clockwise from top left: (1) A patio at the Polynesian themed Royal Hawaiian Estates condo community; (2) Renovation of the Dr. Franz Alexander house kitchen with walnut cabinetry featuring JennAir appliances; (3) A guest room at the Limon hotel featuring bright colors and a corrugated metal ceiling; (4) Stone and metal fireplace at the Dr. Franz Alexander house
Last week was, no question, a wonderful escape from the dreary weather we've been having in Seattle. It also fed my love for color and MCM design leaving me inspired to bring pieces of these concepts to my clients.
See you next month!